Mill Silo Fire

At 2:59 a.m. this morning Douglas County Fire District No.2 was dispatched to a reported fire in the lumber yard of Douglas County Forrest Products located at 398 Del Rio Road.

Douglas County Dispatch received several calls about an explosion being heard in the area just before the fire was seen. The first DCFD2 fire crew arrived to find the silo and three wood chip shaving bids were fully involved with fire.

The mechanism of these explosions are a backdraft like phenomenon, which is the result of oxygen being introduced into areas built-up of heat and gases from incomplete combustion needing only a source of oxygen for a combustion explosion.

The explosion was possible by the presence of wood dust, which may have added to the fuel load in the form of finely dispersed combustible particles. The silo and duct work are approximately 80 feet in height, which made firefighting efforts even more difficult, so a second ladder truck from Roseburg Fire Department was dispatched to the scene.

One of the mill employees needed medical attention, and one DCFD2 firefighter had an injury at the scene. Both were transported to Mercy Medical Center for further evaluation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

DCFD2 responded to this incident with 3 fire engines, 1 ladder truck and 1 command unit. They were assisted by Roseburg Fire Department, Calapooia Rural Fire Department, and Pacific Power and Light.